Latest news with #PHCC
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
PHCC warns of serious health risks linked to smokeless tobacco use
DOHA: The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has strongly warned against the health risks associated with the use of smokeless tobacco, particularly 'Sweika', a substance mistakenly believed by many to be less harmful than smoking. Sweika, also known as 'Shamma' or 'Tombak', is a harmful habit involving a specially processed form of tobacco often mixed with nicotine and sodium bicarbonate. It is used by placing it inside the mouth for a period before disposal. Dr Jinan Mohammed Suleiman, a family physician at PHCC, emphasized that Sweika poses serious health threats. "Many people wrongly believe that Sweika is a safer alternative to smoking. In reality, the direct exposure of certain areas of the mouth to tobacco increases the risk of severe health complications, which are not limited to the oral cavity but also extend to the esophagus, colon, pancreas, and bladder, due to the absorption and ingestion of tobacco juices," she said. Dr Suleiman explained that the use of Sweika is associated with a range of health issues that make it a dangerous practice. Users may experience impaired taste perception, which negatively affects their quality of life. Additionally, it increases the risk of gum inflammation, tartar buildup, and tooth decay, as Sweika facilitates the adherence of plaque to teeth and causes dark discoloration, turning them brown or black. She further noted that Sweika can lead to elevated blood pressure and narrowing of the coronary blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks. In the most severe cases, its prolonged use has been linked to higher rates of cancers affecting the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, gums, stomach, and pancreas, among the most alarming consequences of this habit. PHCC has taken proactive steps to support individuals seeking to quit tobacco in all its forms, including smokeless tobacco. It offers specialized tobacco cessation clinics that provide medical consultations and ongoing support from trained physicians. Appointments can be easily booked by calling PHCC's customer service number or through a referral from a treating physician, ensuring accessible and effective medical support. These clinics offer various treatment options, including behavioral therapy and pharmacological interventions. Among these are nicotine replacement therapies such as nicotine patches, which help maintain stable nicotine levels throughout the day to reduce dependence, and varenicline, a medication that targets specific receptors in the brain to diminish the pleasurable effects of nicotine and support the decision to quit. PHCC physicians tailor treatment plans based on individual assessments, taking into account the patient's health status and degree of addiction to determine the most appropriate therapy.
Qatar Tribune
6 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
PHCC launches awareness drive to promote wellness in hot weather
Tribune News Network Doha As part of its strategy to promote awareness and healthy lifestyles, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has launched an awareness campaign under the slogan 'Step into a Healthier Summer'. The campaign is being rolled out via the Corporation's social media platforms and official website, with the aim of educating community members on how to maintain their health during the summer season and providing guidance on avoiding the harmful effects of high temperatures. Hassan Mohammed Zainal, manager of Health Awareness and Community Engagement at PHCC's Corporate Communications Directorate, said this annual campaign aims to remind people of the importance of caring for their body and skin during this hot season, and to encourage the adoption of a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition, hydration, and appropriate preventive measures, especially with the rise in temperatures that can lead to dehydration, fatigue, loss of appetite, and in some cases, heatstroke. This year's summer campaign targets all segments of the community, both citizens and residents. As part of the summer health awareness plan, PHCC will host several nutrition specialists in live broadcasts to discuss healthy eating during the summer, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle for children during the long school vacation. The campaign also involves community partnerships with government entities and summer clubs to deliver educational and awareness lectures suitable for all age groups, focusing on common summer illnesses and how to prevent them. Hassan added that PHCC will leverage its media platforms to reach the widest audience possible, utilising its experienced staff in community outreach — whether through interactions with visitors at the Corporation's 31 health centres or through its various community partnerships. He also noted that simplified and direct health information will be shared in the form of 'Health Cards' specifically designed to align with the campaign's goals, offering clear and useful tips. The campaign highlights key recommendations, including: • Drinking enough water daily to compensate for fluid loss due to sweating. • Using moisturisers and sunscreen to protect the skin from dryness and sunburn. • Avoiding direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours between 10am and 4pm. • Wearing light-coloured, cotton clothing that allows the body to breathe and helps reduce heat. • Protecting the eyes by wearing sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) rays. • Maintaining personal hygiene and engaging in physical activity during cooler parts of the day. This campaign is part of a series of awareness initiatives launched by PHCC in alignment with the National Health Strategy, which emphasises prevention and the adoption of healthy behaviours through scientifically grounded programmes. The Corporation stressed that following these simple tips can help prevent many summer-related illnesses and enable individuals to enjoy a safe and healthy season free of complications and health risks.
Qatar Tribune
02-07-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
PHCC to host 6th International Primary Health Care Conference in Qatar
Tribune News Network Doha The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) will host the 6th International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC) – Qatar 2025, from November 27 to 29, 2025, under the patronage of Minister of Public Health HE Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud,, the corporation has announced. This year's conference will be held under the theme: 'Inspiring Tomorrow: The Power of Collaboration in Primary Health Care'. The event will bring together around 1,000 participants, including distinguished speakers, healthcare professionals, influential policymakers, leading researchers, academics, students, and stakeholders from the Gulf region, the Arab world, and across the globe. Recognised as one of the most prestigious medical gatherings in the Middle East, IPHCC is expected to feature high-level participation and a wide range of discussions and presentations on key topics led by experts and specialists from various countries, alongside prominent speakers from Qatar. The conference aims to foster an environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and the exchange of knowledge in the field of primary health care. Dr. Mariam Ali Abdul Malik, managing director of PHCC and Chair of Conference Organizing Committee, said: 'We are pleased to host the 6th International Primary Health Care Conference in Qatar, which will bring together a diverse group of experts to collaborate, share knowledge, ideas, and visions that inspire development and innovation in the field of primary health care.' The organising committees have worked diligently to prepare for this major event, ensuring the highest standards of hospitality and event organisation that reflect the esteemed reputation of Qatar. The conference will cover a wide range of key topics presented through lectures and scientific discussions, offering opportunities for exchanging expertise and best medical practices. These topics include Translating Research into Primary Care Practice, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in Primary Health Care, Sustaining Quality and Safety in Primary Health Care System, Healthcare Ethics and Law, Interprofessional Integration and Collaboration, Preventative Care for All, Primary Health Care of Priority Population, Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Primary Health Care, as well as many other subjects. Conference participants will also have the opportunity to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. In addition, professionals and experts are encouraged to submit their scientific abstracts through the official conference website:
Perth Now
17-06-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Health check for Peel-Harvey Estuary
A survey by Murdoch University's Fish Condition Index has found the Peel-Harvey Estuary is in good health. The index surveys fish communities across the estuary system twice every two years and provides insight into how the ecosystem is responding to ongoing pressures such as low rainfall, marine heatwaves and changing land use across the catchment. Murdoch University senior lecturer Dr James Tweedley said fish were an excellent indicator of estuarine health and surveys such as this were important to see how the health of the estuary was tracking over time. Your local paper, whenever you want it. PHCC senior scientist Danielle Eyre with Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams. Credit: Supplied 'This is like an annual health check-up for the estuary,' he said. 'By monitoring the fish communities, we can compare current conditions with records going back to the 1970s and better understnad the impact of human and environmental change.' The university monitors the area in collaboration with the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council and the Winjan Aboriginal Community. The team held nearshore fish sampling in Coodanup earlier this month using a seine net in shallow waters alongside Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams. 'While we didn't land a huge haul, it was a great morning wading through the shallows, learning how this research is done,' Mr Williams said. 'The Peel-Harvey Estuary is at the heart of our way of life in Mandurah. Its health is directly linked to our wellbeing, lifestyle and local economy, which is why research like this is so important.'
Qatar Tribune
12-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
PHCC receives 16,867 visitors at on-call health centres during Eid Al Adha holiday
Tribune News Network Doha The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) announced that its health centres received 16,867 visitors during the Eid Al Adha holiday period from June 5 to 9, 2025. Services were provided through 21 on-call health centres located across various regions. The services offered included specialised clinics, urgent care units, and telemedicine consultations, all aimed at ensuring the continuity of healthcare for both citizens and residents. The reported total includes all visitors received at Family Medicine Clinics, which stood at 7,528 patients, while General Dentistry Clinics received 896 visitors. This figure also covers all cases handled by the Urgent Care Units in 12 health centres, namely: Al Mashaf, Al Sadd, Abu Baker Al Siddiq, Al Ruwais, Al Sheehaniya, Al Kaaban, Gharrafat Al Rayyan, Rawdat Al Khail, Muaither, Umm Slal, Leabaib, and Al Karaana. These units attended to a total of 6,560 cases, each managed according to its specific medical urgency. The PHCC said that a number of specialized clinic services were also made available during the holiday, including: • Ophthalmology Clinic: 241 visitors • ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Clinic: 215 visitors • Dermatology Clinic: 207 visitors • Pre-Marital Screening Clinic: 36 visitors These services were provided at the Leabaib, Rawdat Al Khail, Al Mashaf, and Al Wajbah health centres. Additionally, pharmacy, radiology, and laboratory services were available throughout the holiday. PHCC's Community Call Centre also delivered 455 virtual medical consultations (both video and audio) via the '16000' hotline, helping expedite care for urgent cases and ensuring timely prescriptions without delay. The PHCC emphasised its commitment to welcoming patients without delay at all on-call centres, maintaining minimal waiting times in line with the National Health Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030. It reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to provide the highest quality healthcare services, strengthening the overall healthcare system in the country.
